Numbers

The covered area where the market is located covers more than 45,000 square meters and approximately 20,000 people work there. The number of daily visitors can vary between 300,000 to 500,000 depending on the time of day.

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar has over 3,600 shops spread across 64 streets. To access the site, there are 22 doors ... Vast!

In addition to this, you will need to know more about it.

The origins

The origins of the Grand Bazaar go back to the time of Mehmed II. In 1455 he built the old bazaar near his palace. As in many other cities, artisan workshops were then set up around the market.

Over time, the number of shops increased and the streets were covered. Shortly after, the whole complex was walled up.

Our opinion

Visiting Istanbul and not entering the Grand Bazaar would be like going to Marrakech without setting foot in its souk . Its thousands of colorful stalls constitute a real walk in itself, which can take you an hour or a whole day. And above all, don't forget to negotiate the prices , it's something quite natural in Turkey!